Judges 15:14–20 Stolen Valor and the Spring of Mercy

Judges 15:14–20 Stolen Valor and the Spring of Mercy

Introduction

“Free agency” is a process most commonly associated with sports—but it happens in the professional world too. A player performs well, becomes desirable, and earns a chance to sign with another team for a better contract. But once the new season begins, everything changes. Without the teammates, systems, and support structures that made them successful before, they underperform. And the crowd turns. “Bust.” “Fraud.” “Overrated.”

What gets forgotten is that no one succeeds alone. This is Samson. He steps into battle under the power of the LORD but claims the outcome for himself. It’s stolen valor. But the story doesn’t end in judgment. Instead, it ends with undeserved mercy—a picture worth holding onto.

1. Samson’s Personal Battle & God’s Intentional War (Judges 15:14–17)

The Philistines came shouting, expecting victory. But God had other plans. The Spirit of the LORD rushed upon Samson and enabled him to defeat a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:14–15). This was not human strength—it was divine intervention.

Yet Samson’s immediate response wasn’t praise, it was pride. “With the jawbone of a donkey, heaps upon heaps...” (Judges 15:16). He points to himself, not to God. He claims the credit. This is in stark contrast to Moses, who sang, “The LORD is my strength and my song... the LORD is his name” (Exodus 15:1–3).

God was the one who saved Israel, but Samson made it about himself. We are warned here: never confuse divine power for personal greatness. Never boast in what only God can do (Psalm 20:6–8; Philippians 3:3–9).

2. Samson’s Complaint and God’s Mercy (Judges 15:18–20)

After his boast, Samson becomes thirsty and cries out. His words drip with irony: “You have granted this great salvation by the hand of your servant, and shall I now die of thirst?” (Judges 15:18). The tone echoes Israel’s complaints in the wilderness (Exodus 17:1–7; Psalm 95:7–9).

Despite the arrogance, God shows mercy. He splits open a hollow place, water pours out, and Samson revives (Judges 15:19). The location is named En-hakkore—“the spring of him who called.” It stands as a testimony that even when we fail, even when we boast, even when we accuse God—He is merciful.

But we should not miss the sad reality tucked into verse 20: “He judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years” (Judges 15:20). Israel was not free. The idols were still present. The culture was still compromised. Samson won a battle but didn’t finish the war. He was content with partial victory. He never delivered the people fully. Christ does.

Conclusion

  • The battle belongs to the LORD. Salvation is never earned by might or by merit. We are saved by grace through faith.
  • Don’t steal God’s glory. Boasting in your own strength blinds you to the true source of help.
  • Don’t settle for less than full deliverance. Samson was satisfied when the war wasn’t over. Let’s long for the return of Christ and the full restoration He promises.
  • God is merciful to the undeserving. Call upon Him. He provides even when we fail.

Scripture References

  • Exodus 15:1–3 – Moses’ song glorifies God as the one who triumphs.
  • Psalm 20:6–8; Psalm 33:16–17 – True salvation doesn’t come from human strength.
  • Joshua 23:9–13 – God is the one who fights for His people.
  • Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Galatians 6:12–15; Philippians 3:2–9 – The Gospel is the power of God, not human effort.
  • Exodus 17:1–7; Psalm 95:7–9 – Israel tested God in the wilderness, yet He still provided.
  • Joel 2:30–32; Acts 2:21–41 – Everyone who calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.

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